At eleven the next morning, Skye was preparing to leave within the next hour after showering and applying perfume.
Ruki sat beside her in the restroom, watching her fix her hair in the mirror and pad concealer. She had on a pair of black leggings, a long-sleeved light pink tee, and black fleece boots she'd pulled from her closet. She still wanted to sport some color, just not as much.
"Hm…" Skye turned her head and observed her hair from different angles. "Think it's good." She was about ready to leave with her outfit and hair done, but something came to mind while she looked at herself in the mirror.
Skye had only experimented a little with anything more than concealer some years back and wasn't too big a fan but remembered what she liked. She opened a drawer on the dresser she was standing over and took out her mother's small circle-shaped black container. She looked down and noticed Ruki watching. "Just liner… Don't want to overdo it." Skye opened and took out its pen, dabbing its tip in ink and leaning over the counter.
She was in a different mood, especially after yesterday, so white and pink were put on hold today. Besides, Skye didn't experiment with different styles enough.
Ruki scooted back to watch from a better angle. He saw her place her index finger near the corner of her right eye, holding it taut while lining the brush across her waterline to avoid applying too much.
Skye repeated this action with her other eye and took a breath as she was holding it to concentrate, brushing both over a couple more times to ensure it appeared neat. She observed her work, eyeing herself in the mirror. The color complemented her blue eyes and outfit, but it didn't feel right, considering her usual bright and happy style. Skye turned to Ruki. "I don't look like a zigzagoon, right?"
He gave it a moment before shaking his head. Ruki didn't know his way around makeup, but Skye looked cute wearing it, although she never sported black. It'd take some getting used to if she decided to start wearing the color, but he was supportive and ready to accept.
"We should get going." Skye checked her watch. It was nearing 11:30, and she didn't want to be last to board. She had to tell her parents she was leaving too.
She exited the restroom, grabbed her purse from her room, and then went to the living room with Ruki, seeing her father on the couch and her mother at that table on her laptop, wearing reading glasses. "I'm leaving," Skye said softly. She almost felt guilty for going to spend time with a boy she liked.
Her mother looked up with her head tilted down to see Skye over her glasses and eyed her outfit, raising her eyebrows. "New style, hon? A bit unlike you..."
Skye shrugged. "Just for today. I wanted something different." She was worried they'd find it weird, but it was only an outfit.
She nodded. "Hm... Well, I know you've got a ton of colors in your closet waiting to be worn."
Skye grinned. She wasn't wrong. She used to buy anything in the mall she saw that even slightly appealed to her.
"I hope it isn't influenced."
Skye turned back to her father and faded her grin. "Oh, n-no, of course not, Dad. I was just feeling it..."
Ruki was sitting by her feet, his eyes shooting to and from everyone. Her father usually dimmed the mood to lecture Skye, whether or not he intended to. She could use a break to enjoy herself without him on her constantly, but Ruki could do nothing but be with her after the fact. It had to be exhausting for her.
"That's fine. I just don't want you changing for a boy you think is the one. It's easy to be lovestruck when it's your first. Don't be Cosmog." He was only looking out for his daughter and didn't want her blinded by a spell. It could start with something as simple as clothing choices for her to be taken advantage of or for her to stray from her morals and ideals. "You have fun."
"Thank you..." Skye glanced at her mother, who was back on her laptop, before beckoning Ruki and heading out the door. She never sided with Skye and had to know it was unfair. Not everything Skye did had to become a lecture. "Cosmog..." she muttered while walking the pavement. That wasn't very kind, and her friends used to call her that sometimes. He said it because Cosmog is a known deity in Alolan history with an overly trusting nature toward people and pokémon regardless of their intentions to the point where it ends up in dangerous situations.
But that's not what this was. Him using that word said it all, and even her mother seemed weirded out and puzzled. They really knew how to make her feel like an outcast sometimes.
They arrived at the packed Marina close to fifteen minutes later, although the number of people present and pokémon didn't compare to Sinnoh's or a ferry full of people coming to tour Alola.
Skye paid for her ticket from the booth by the entrance and stood behind a small crowd under the warm sun, holding her purse. She couldn't wait to get a credit or debit card. Then she could both reserve and pay online. "I also can't wait to see the resort again. I assume it's changed a lot over the years," she said, crouching by Ruki. She didn't know where 'also' came from. She must have mixed her thoughts and words. "It's difficult to book a room there in the first place. You usually have to like a year in advance."
Ruki didn't remember much about Hano since he was young when they last stayed, but he couldn't forget the massive structure overlooking a bigger beachfront than Hau'oli's. He could take it in properly now that he was older.
Skye heard shouting atop the ferry's deck and had to take steps back with the crowd as the crew lowered the bridge.
She and Ruki were among the first allowed on deck, and a few more groups had gathered behind during that time.
"We have a room, but it's windowless and lower deck. This'll be a short cruise, so we don't have to go down there." Skye leaned against the ferry's railing after stepping on deck and handing her ticket to the crew member in charge of collecting them.
Maybe not, but there were ways to pass an hour-long cruise by. Ruki saw some people enter double glass doors beneath the control room at the ship's center into what had to be a shop. "Nin." He nudged Skye's leg. That could be their first stop.
"What?" Skye looked at him as he took a few steps forward. "Where could you possibly want to go?" She started following his lead and saw the doors. "Oh..."
She didn't feel like spending money, but maybe it'd cheer her up after what her father pulled. He was so afraid of her disregarding what they taught her now that she was old enough that she couldn't even wear an outfit without suspicion rising. If Skye could hide everything from him, she would. It was getting ridiculous, and she didn't need them on top of her as if she were a clueless fourteen-year-old.
Through the doors that beeped after she entered was an upmarket souvenir shop with shelved items, rotating stands, and encased jewelry. The other half of the store, divided by a sliding glass door, was a mini-mart where people could buy food, items, and snacks during the cruise.
Both were full of families. She saw children picking up sweets in the market and expensive souvenirs in here, running them to their parents, which made her grin.
Skye approached a stand to the right of the door holding cute snow globes of iconic locations in Alola, such as various tropical routes and cities. She turned it with her hand. "Bunch of overpriced tourist stuff…"
Ruki stood nearby, eyeing a basket full of pokémon plushies. He hadn't noticed that Skye had walked ahead until she called him over, to which his ears twitched. Ruki looked around until seeing her crouched beside a pendant stand, and he trotted over.
"Come sit; I want you to try something on," said Skye, putting her purse over her shoulder and taking a hanging necklace with a shard pendant carved smoothly from an ice stone.
He did and let her put it over his head. It fit perfectly around his neck, only dangling slightly.
"You look adorable in it. My handsome boy," she smiled, leaning and kissing him atop his head. "Do you want it?"
Ruki glanced at it and nodded. He'd wear it everywhere he went. It would be his only mundane reminder of Skye, and it looked neat.
"Let's go pay for it."
He wanted to show her that basket before they left, though. "Ni." Ruki trotted back to it and sat.
"Hm?" Skye approached and looked inside, giggling, "Ruki, you know I have enough plushes. I've got like five." However, one hidden under a turtwig and ponyta caught her eye, and she reached to pull it out. It was a ninetales sitting upright with confidence and a smug grin, reminding her of Ruki. It was well made, too, with accurate proportions and its cute tails sticking up behind it. "Looky. It's your relative." Skye held it down to Ruki.
If she bought it, she'd only have a vulpix and alolan ninetales left to complete the family tree.
They left the store after paying up front, and Skye sat in a wooden chair near the ship's railing with a small bag in her lap containing a ninetales. It'd be in her purse if it wouldn't take up most of the space.
Ruki sat beside her while watching other pokémon and people interact on the front deck. They'd been on the cruise for forty minutes and were nearing Akala. In that time, Skye had taken them below deck to get snacks and drinks to pass the hour.
She rested her palm on the back of his neck while he watched a few children and pokémon play. "You don't get lonely, right?"
Ruki looked up at her. Rarely, and Skye tended to pull him from that feeling quickly, but he had been experiencing it recently. Ruki didn't need friends. Skye was his best, but he often felt he needed something more.
"Ruki…" She noticed his attention had drifted.
He focused back on her face and shook his head. He was fine. Ruki didn't want her to worry while such a grand day was ahead of them anyway.
"Okay…" Skye knew he needed more than her, mainly because he was maturing, but she wasn't sure where to start. She had to get out more, make friends, and bring Ruki along, but living with her authoritarian parents made that challenging and discouraged her.
Less than ten minutes from Akala, Skye stood to see the ferry approaching the docks miles ahead in Heahea City. She'd dialed Aaron to prepare him for their arrival and brought the phone to her ear. "Hey," Skye said after he picked up.
"Hey. Are you two here?"
"Not yet, but we're super close. I know how to get there, so no need to walk to the docks. Just meet us in front of the resort. I'll let you know."
"Waiting eagerly."
Skye grinned and hung up, slipping her phone into her pocket. "Let's go look, Ruki." She stood, walking to the front of the ship's railing where several other people were.
He followed behind, standing on his hind legs and placing his paws on the edge when they arrived.
"Heahea… where we're docking." It resembled Hau'oli's strip, although it was a smaller city. Ahead was the ferry terminal, a large blue building by the docks, and the city's long stretch of asphalt lined with tropical palms and bushes, various shops, and restaurants led far east to Grand Hano.
Konikoni City's tall white lighthouse sat a few miles south of HeaHea, and a joint Alolan and Galarian naval base was farther north in the ocean. Both regions had tight relations. While Kalos and Sinnoh were allied with the Alliance, they didn't work as closely in terms of military operations. They were both a part of the Accord once upon a time.
Ruki swished his tails while watching the view. He couldn't wait to see the island up close. More memories came from when he was last here as he took it in. Ruki recalled visiting Heahea Beach west of the city, and the Tide Song Hotel in the city's northern section. They didn't go inside but hung around outside the white multi-floor high-class hotel, with a pretty fountain and styled pavement lined with greenery.
When they arrived shortly, Skye and Ruki waited by the ship's docking area to exit with everyone else. Fortunately, they were in front of most passengers, so they were in the first group to leave the ferry.
"I wonder if anything's changed at Hano. I wouldn't be surprised. Innovation is needed at a place that popular." Skye just hoped that one restaurant she tried was still open. It had the best seadra and crawdaunt soup she'd ever tasted: a delicious steaming hot golden-colored brew with bits of meat and shell for additional flavor.
The moment they were set free from the crowds and at ground level, Ruki trotted ahead on the sidewalk and eyed the many buildings, palms, and people walking, his ears erect. There was a two-way road for vehicles but barely any on them besides some parked ones in small lots and in front of markets, and a truck stopped under a telephone pole with workers tending to wires on a lift. Maybe people walked more in this city.
Skye slipped her bag's handles on her wrist. "We'll be walking this strip for a while. I'll let Aaron know we're on our way. Go on; I'm right behind you."
With her say, Ruki trotted ahead while she pulled out her phone. He looked into the windows of clothing stores, restaurants, and whatnot, but he wanted to find something that stood out, and that wish was granted sooner than later.
Ruki tilted his head upward and sniffed the air— coffee, but something about this particular scent lured his nose. He approached the Pokémon Center to their left while looking back at Skye, who had just put her phone in her pocket.
"A Pokémon Center, Ruki?" She stopped and eyed a couple of poster adverts on the center's walls. "Ah…" One stated that they sold poké beans. Some Pokémon Centers around Alola did. Skye smiled, "I forget you have a good nose too. C'mon, we'll get you some."
He followed her inside the cozy environment with voices everywhere that weren't too loud. He saw a customer leave the mini mart's front counter to the far right and exit and people walking from downstairs. The second floor usually hosted trading centers, where certified rangers oversaw the transaction, alongside international call centers if one wanted to make long-distance video or voice calls.
A nurse in a white outfit and cap with an accompanying chansey healed a set of a defeated trainer's pokémon behind the counter ahead. She placed four pokéballs in shaped black grooves on a large, flat platform that fit them and pressed a button on the device.
A few trainers stood at PCs beside the main counter, and others were at the small café with rows of wooden tables and chairs tucked to the left, where people sat on their phones.
Some took calls, studied on laptops while listening to music, talked and laughed with their partners or parents with drinks or pastries in their hands, looked out the window at passing society.
Skye walked across the white floor and stepped onto the café's light brown one, approaching the counter, where a young red-haired woman in a white and blue outfit stood. Skye eyed the menu above. She wouldn't buy anything for herself. The resort had expensive shops and such she'd rather spend money on if anything caught her eye. "Hm. Want one of each, Ruk'?"
Ruki scanned the visual assortment: Red, indigo, sky blue, green, yellow, purple, and orange. "Nni." He nodded.
"We'll take one of each bean, please," Skye told her.
"I'm sorry. Our limit is one per customer per day… unless you're willing to pay extra for more. How many pokémon do you have?" the woman asked.
"One… He just really eats sometimes."
Skye ended up buying four beans before they were back on the road to Hano. She slipped the mini white bag into her purse as they strolled past more stores. "Don't think we've ever bought these before. I'm curious to taste what kind of coffee they make."
Ruki was curious, too, though he just wanted to eat one later. They couldn't possibly beat malasadas as his favorite snack, but they could still be tasty.
"...About a twenty-minute walk from here. We've been doing a lot of that recently." Skye hoped it would tone her legs some more as she hadn't been walking enough. When she did, it made her feel better about herself.
The farther they ventured past Heahea's busy tourist-based strip, the quieter the environment got. More houses, greenery, and fewer people and stores surrounded them.
Ruki loved the bustling nature of cities. He was born and kept far from people initially, but Skye raised him around concentrated civilization that he grew to love being a part of. However, the tranquil residential areas were also enjoyable. He usually went to his spot in Hau'oli when he needed a break.
As the homes beside them turned strictly to trees and green, Skye faintly saw the road's end fading into an expansive beachfront overlooking the ocean a mile ahead. "Ruki, look." Surrounding the resort's grounds were miles of thick, rich green trees planted atop light green grass.
"Nine!" he grinned at what he could see of the towering beige structure in the distance. Ruki almost felt more excited about this than Sinnoh. Hano presented itself exquisitely.
In ten minutes, they were off the road and strolling across Hano Beach's warm sand toward the resort's entrance with many tourists in the water, surfing and whatnot, and others.
Of course, Ruki paced ahead, his paws padding and sifting through the gritty terrain as he neared the clearing among the trees, where he saw a large, white-tiled platform underneath a flight of stairs and the Grand Resort. The building spanned the east and west extensively, and he had to look up to see the top of the structure in its entirety. He glanced back and saw Skye still making her way to him.
"Thanks for waiting for me, baby," she said once reaching him. Skye then stepped onto the tile and climbed the steps with him. At the top was a much larger white platform the resort sat on. Two large pools of water were on the left and right of the surface, and Aaron stood between them in front of the glass double doors.
He wore gray running shoes, dark gray jeans, and a zip-up cream jacket with black letters on its sleeves writing out a brand. A few others stood by the pools or sat on benches lining the resort's walls. Upon seeing him, Skye couldn't hold back a timid grin and took a few steps forward.
Aaron met her halfway and embraced Skye's waist, holding her closely, and couldn't help but glance over her legs and thighs with those cute leggings on. "Hey, Skye." He glanced at her wrist bag. "What's in there?"
She pressed her cheek to his chest and snaked her arms around his sides. "Mh, hi..." Warmth filled her, and it was addicting every time. She pulled away slightly and looked up at him. "Ninetales plushie."
"Cute. You like plushes?" He held her closer and looked down at her face, captured by her eyes. He noticed the eyeliner she wore and that she wasn't wearing her usual colors, but she still found a way to look cute in it, and the liner embraced her rich blues well the longer he looked into them.
"Yeah, I collect them," she smiled after the exchange. "You wanna take me inside?"
"Oh... Of course." He let go and stepped back.
"Come on, Ruki." Skye turned around and saw him sitting patiently.
Ruki stood and followed them through the doors and down a short red-carpeted corridor. He couldn't believe he'd forgotten this. It was such a convivial environment. More red carpet covered the massive lobby, and around him were fancy red leather seating with glass tables in front of them, potted plants and mini pink flower bushes, and large crystal clear windows to gaze out of and see the beach and forest surrounding the resort.
Ahead was the reception desk, a rounded wooden counter with an active water wall above it. Everything was organized and well-lit to feel inviting, too. The lobby was packed with pokémon and people, either standing or sitting, mainly socializing.
"As priceless as I remembered." Skye gazed while standing with Aaron off to the side in the lobby. Many guests wore casual clothing, but the other half wore extravagant outfits and had stuck-up pokémon, which wasn't surprising since the resort was an expensive stay.
Aaron slipped his hand into his jacket pocket. "You know, this is about the best place I've ever stayed. I almost feel like I don't belong."
"You're fine. People travel from all over to stay at this resort. It's one of the best there is. Where's Sylmi, by the way?"
"He was asleep, so I left him up in the room. I'll go get him if he's awake, then we can get something to eat. It's… really overpriced."
She giggled. It really was, but that wasn't an issue. Skye was too spoiled by her parents' money. It'd be challenging to adapt to a more independent life when it came. "Mhm. Ruki and I will be waiting here." She watched him walk down the east hall and enter the elevator. "Let's rest for now, Ruki." She went to sit on a bench by the doors. Her legs needed it.
He followed and sat by her, Ruki's eyes still on various pokémon, people, and activity all over.
A sylveon and vulpix were running circles around one of the lobby chairs and chasing each other before a young woman in a dainty dress snatched up the wide-eyed sylveon, glaring at it for misbehaving and watching the vulpix trot back to its owner.
A few men in suits and expensive watches on their wrists stood and chatted by one of the windows overlooking the encompassing thick tropical first with trees swaying and bushes rustling against mild breezes.
A teen couple that reminded Ruki of Skye and Aaron sat facing each other in the lobby chairs with their squirtle beside the boy in his chair. The couple shared from a to-go box on the table, and the boy took an occasional fry from their meal and popped it in the squirtle's mouth, who always opened its mouth in preparation when it saw the food coming.
Ruki shifted his eyes to find more interesting situations and passed something briefly— only to snap his head back. He singled out something very particular.
"You want a poké bean while we wait? I know you're hungry." However, he didn't budge. Skye stared at him. "Ruki."
His eyes shot up to give her his attention.
"Poké bean?..."
He nodded while taking a couple more glances ahead.
Skye took a red bean out of the bag and held it beside his mouth, which he didn't notice. "Ruki, what are you looking at?" She scanned the lobby and sought out what his eyes were on in moments. "Ohh…" she smirked. "It's that espeon, hm?"
Ruki twitched his ear. He felt embarrassed now, not to mention how anxious he'd felt already. His gaze was, in fact, set on an espeon several seats ahead. He'd seen a few throughout his lifetime, but his heart fluttered upon seeing this one. It was slim with sleek lavender fur. Its ears were large and stood upright, and it wore a mini red bow at the base of its tail's tips to match its color.
Ruki swallowed, looking at what he assumed was a she. He could be wrong as he was about Sylmi, but Ruki studied its features more. It sat by its teen brunette trainer with long, loose curly hair, who looked native to Alola and wore a burgundy button-up top that ended in a casual black skirt, high socks, and black boots.
"She is cute…" Skye placed a hand on his head. She then saw Aaron and a tired Sylmi enter the lobby from the hall. "Maybe you can go say hi if she's around later."
Skye sat at a black booth in an upscale restaurant playing pop down the resort's west corridor of lined shops. She had her plushie bag in her purse since she didn't need to access it. Aaron was sitting across from her with Sylmi while Ruki sat beside her.
The black walls had painted white designs ranging from noodle bowls, sushi rolls, and chopsticks. Lamps hung from the ceiling over every table, dimly lighting them, and a bar was on the other side of the restaurant with a tall shelf lined with fancy spirits.
A couple of families and individuals sat around and behind them in the next booth, but they weren't too noisy, thankfully. Laughter and loud voices here and there as a result of excitement weren't bothersome, and the music leveled it out.
"Glad we chose a not-so-packed restaurant," Skye said while scanning the pricey menu on the table, glancing ahead out of the windows and watching people and pokémon walk by without rest and occasionally to her right at the kitchen whenever hearing a bang or shout.
Her favorite restaurant: 'Karps,' had been closed as of last year, so they'd found a decent-looking Fioreanese one nearby that she'd never seen. Unless she had forgotten it, there was a good chance it was a new addition.
"No twenty-minute wait times," Aaron replied. It wasn't as popular as other available options, like the buffet or pizza place further down, but there was always next time, and he knew everyone was hungry now.
Ruki looked over the menu laid in front of him and saw a small section for pokémon in the lower right corner. He could eat just about anything Skye did, but that limited selection would be easier on his stomach, which she always pointed him to whenever a restaurant had it. It was a huge treat when they didn't.
Sylmi already had eyes on what he wanted. He raised his ribbon and pointed out the berry rolls to Aaron. They had figy berry filling, which was mildly spicy. He loved spicy food. Aaron's mother usually cooked with a lot of seasoning, and it was a significant part of Kalos' diet. Not even Sinnoh compared to the spices used.
"What do you want, Ruki?" Skye watched him gaze at the menu.
He wasn't sure. There were only five options, but he wasn't picky. The deep-fried wishiwashi sushi rolls sounded best after much contemplation. "Nn." He leaned over and nudged the wording with his nose. They were compact and tangy-sweet with starf berry and cream cheese filling, covered in a rich original house sauce, according to the description.
"Sure, baby. I guess I'll have noodles." Skye looked at Aaron. "How are you liking Alola so far?"
"Honestly, I think it might be the best region I've visited so far between weather and scenery… and because you're here, of course." Being around Skye in person was a feeling he couldn't put into words. Maybe some bias was involved, but Alola had been wonderful regardless.
She grinned, biting her lip. "Good…"
A young male waiter in a black outfit approached their table after that and collected everyone's order. Aaron ended up getting the same thing Skye did since he wanted something light.
"So, what do you do in Hau'oli?" Aaron asked. After seeing a glimpse of that city, he had to know more about her life. She had never told him much about it over the phone, and it seemed like the subject passed quickly when they landed on it.
"Uh, well..." Skye's existence at home wasn't anything special. "It's mainly the beach, district, mall, like I told you."
"Right, but..." Where were the details? "Okay, what'd you do growing up, then?"
That question wasn't any better. She didn't want to take him on her escapades of money spending. Skye hated to feel like she was bragging even slightly. "To an extent, I hung out with friends from school or went to the same places with Ruki. Those three used to be our second home and still kind of are, but after Sinnoh, I..." She was saying more than she wanted to. "Why don't you tell me what you did growing up? We rarely went that far back," she grinned.
Aaron wouldn't press on her abrupt pause, at least not today, though it kind of alarmed him. "Well, before Sylmi and I started hopping on ferries every day, we were running around Johto whenever I had free time. I've just always loved exploring, and I passed that trait to him. Not even my couple of friends could keep up with my passion for journeying. They wanted a stable, casual Johto-exclusive existence, but I liked studying how different parts of the world operated, their cultures, behaviors, food, and just how they lived their daily lives. The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know."
He was far more interesting in her opinion. "And I see that hasn't changed about you. It's great that you're so committed. You have to be super experienced after going around the world." Skye wished she could have that under her belt. Her outlook on life would most definitely change and put things into perspective.
As Aaron said, she'd learn about and see firsthand different cultures, nuances, lives, people, quality of life, and so much more. Instead, she had only one example all of her life and was ingenuous in several aspects.
Skye wanted to change that as soon as possible. Maybe she could tag along with Aaron if they worked out. She'd be blooming late, but it was better than never, and traveling the world with someone she loved dearly sounded like a dream. "Maybe you'd... want to pursue a career in something relating to that?"
He chuckled, "hah, I wish. I mean, I know more than I used to, for sure, but there's a lot more to be educated on. I plan on visiting everywhere I can before I'm gone. I don't think it's something I want to soil with a career, if that makes sense. I want to take my time and enjoy. It's an extreme hobby."
A young male waiter in a black outfit approached their table moments later and collected everyone's order. Aaron got the same thing Skye did since he wanted something light.
"Oh, speaking of experience, that reminds me of the one time I learned to avoid tourist scams the hard way," Aaron said.
"Tell me." Skye had to hear this.
So did Ruki. He was all ears.
"So— and this was in Sinnoh, by the way, last year. Sylmi and I got off at Sunyshore and head east to a major plaza where a ton of merchants were selling souvenirs. You know, bracelets, clothes, bags, free samples."
Sylmi grinned, knowing where this was going. He remembered it clearly since Aaron had called his mom all hysterical.
"This old guy with shades and typical clothes, suspenders and all, comes up offering me a sample of his homemade honey-glazed oat bars, but it was in its pack and unopened. I should have gotten suspicious and walked away right there, but I felt bad... and what was the worst that could happen, right? It's a free product from a senior trying to make some money."
Skye was leaned in and invested, as was Ruki, both watching him.
"So I take the bar, and he insists I try it in front of him to see if I like it. Again, I'd have felt bad to say no. It was kind of awkward, so I tore it open and took a bite. It wasn't bad either. It was sticky and broke apart in my mouth, but after that bite, he asks if I liked it. I say yes... Then he asks if I'd like to buy more," Aaron snickered. "But I didn't like it that much, so I politely said no. That's when he said that was okay, but I had to pay for the one I opened."
Skye opened her mouth in shock and briefly widened her eyes. "Oh my gosh. He tricked you! I've read articles about that stuff while researching."
"That's one out of a hundred tourist traps. I'm glad you looked into it... Anyway, he was demanding payment from clueless me while my heart raced. I looked around at people either watching or paying no mind, some shooting me dirty looks, and I didn't know how to get out of the situation since I had no proof. Another person bumps into me that I paid no real mind to, but I did pick up Sylmi. The guy left a minute later without a word and left me shaken up, but I kept moving and went so far from that area."
"So you got away? Well, of course you did, but..."
"Yeah, I got away, but then..." he shook his head. "I stop at a store afterward for a water and take out my wallet to pay. Zero cash. Nothing except my I.D. and some business cards."
Skye giggled and bit her lip harder to suppress it. "Sorry. That's not funny, but ghh. I couldn't imagine. I'd be freaking out."
Aaron laughed after her. "I was devastated. Everything went numb, my cheeks flushed, and I just ran out of the store without the water and phoned my mom. Luckily, they didn't take that. Skilled pick pocketer, though, and impressive distraction. My mom gave me the scolding of a lifetime at first and had to block a few of her credit cards she'd let me take for extra money, but she was more understanding after it was said and done."
"Wait, but what of your trip?" Did you stay, or?..."
Ruki was glad she asked. He was going to say.
"We were able to since I had more cash in my front pocket, but not for the entire week. I wasn't allowed to leave Kalos for a while after that, which I didn't argue."
"That's so messed up. At least you knew what to look out for after that."
"That's never happening again, but there are some lessons I'd rather not learn by becoming the victim of one."
"You have that right." That reminded Skye of a question she'd stored. "And I don't know how much you keep up with the Accord, but I've been seeing a lot of stuff on Sozi. It's like everyone has lost their way and hates each other or... life. I don't know. It's heartbreaking to see a lack of humanity like that."
"Well, it's why I'm in Kalos. That's a very dysfunctional nation, and it makes me wonder if the gov there not outlawing human and pokémon relations apply too. Respect isn't there between the people or how they value pokémon, and it peaked with Unovanish, which made the SNDA's takeover easier. I don't know if there's any saving the Accord in general at this point. The SNDA may be willing to fund them if they cut off Unova, so maybe the government can make improvements."
The president has been enthusiastic at rebuilding in recent speeches. However, after what Unova's government had pulled after the war, Aaron felt it would only get worse as technology advanced.
The Accord still worked directly with Unova, too, so Aaron was skeptical of what improvement meant. It wouldn't be easy to throw the Accord into a permanent lockdown and rip all freedom from its citizens, as freedom had been all they knew for many generations, and the Accord was the forefront of it, but the war and current conditions had set a new stage and opened a once-in-a-lifetime window of opportunity for possible overreach.
Aaron would be more than disappointed if the Accord switched up, but it felt plausible after they'd accepted and funded a company as vile as Unovanish. They promised or purported a return to the quality of life everyone knew and the betterment for all its citizens, but Aaron wondered if they genuinely cared about that.
He moved on. "Education is a huge aspect that faltered there in recent years after it used to be the best in class once upon a time. I think it's... what, Galar or Alola that's leading?"
"Alola," Skye grinned. "The private academy I went to was wonderful... But yeah, it's unfortunate to see and know that people trying to live their lives are suffering. I'm hoping it calms down." She hated to give it thought, but she was fortunate enough to be on the side that only watched it unfold.
They were through with lunch in the next forty minutes, casually chatting, and Skye had tipped the waiter well since he checked on them often and ensured their comfort.
As they stepped out of the restaurant, Skye noticed a room farther down the corridor on the left side among rows of businesses lining the walls that stretched for miles. The sign above it read: 'Lounge' in white lettering. "What's that?" Must also be a new addition.
"I… don't know, actually. Wanna check it out?" Aaron hadn't explored enough to know merely a fraction of what this place had to offer. That would take another day or two.
"Yeah, let's." Skye walked with Ruki beside her between crowds and past multiple food and tempting dessert stands that pulled her nose, which she ignored as a sugary waffle cone, shaved ice cone or funnel cake would only add to her weight, even though part of her just wanted to live. She peeked inside the doorway when they arrived.
It was a cozier version of the lobby, with twenty soft cream-colored leather couches lining the wall, wall-mounted TVs, and a snack bar at the end of the room. Pokémon and people alike were either sitting or conversing.
"So... a social rest area." Aaron stood with her.
Sylmi squeezed past them and entered the spacious room. There was an eevee in his pre-teen female trainer's lap on one of the chairs and a small chatot and fennekin on the floor.
"What a cute place," Skye added.
Sylmi hopped into a vacant chair and patted the one beside him with a ribbon while eyeing Ruki.
Ruki saw that Sylmi wanted him to join, but he looked up at Skye first.
"Go ahead," she replied, watching him go and hop up beside Sylmi. "I'm really glad they get along."
"It's amazing to watch, right? Makes everything easier too."
Skye leaned her shoulder against his chest while watching. "Mhm, lots."
"Sylv." Sylmi hopped down to greet the few pokémon in front of them. He was quite the social type and loved meeting new pokémon whenever possible. He shot a few glances at Ruki, hoping he'd join the fun as well, but wouldn't press again.
Ruki didn't feel like joining, but Sylmi obviously wanted him to, and he didn't want to alter the day. Ugh, why did Sylmi have to pull him into this?
He got down and sat away, watching Sylmi pat the grinning eevee's head with his ribbon, who'd also joined the group.
However, Ruki's distancing wasn't helping him avoid interaction, as he felt an abrupt tug on one of his tails, which caused him to flinch from discomfort. He turned his head and saw the chatot standing by his rear, and it then pulled at another tail with its beak. "Nine!" Ruki stood and turned to face it with a glare. Were all chatot rude and clueless? Their TV personalities made them seem perfect, but they were far from it in reality.
"Cha…" It cowered slightly under the pokémon towering over him. It was only curious and had never been so close to a ninetales.
Sylmi watched with a small grimace. Perhaps pressuring Ruki to come and say hi was a mistake, even though it wasn't direct the second time.
Skye was busy giggling. "Ruki never gets annoyed. That's adorable."
"Not as tolerant with other pokémon, huh? Sylmi is really social," Aaron said.
"He was very social as a vulpix. I'm guessing his evolution made him more uptight, but Sylmi must have broken through." Skye hoped it didn't have much to do with the abrupt separation from her old friends, which tore him from his in the process. Maybe it had affected him more than she realized.
Ruki felt bad for snapping at the chatot. It was obviously young and couldn't even speak yet. "Tales…" He apologized. Not that he'd let it near his tails again.
"You want to see the room me and Sylmi are staying in? It has a good view. I think you'll like it," Aaron asked.
"Of course, but let me tell our babies first." Skye realized how that statement sounded shortly after saying it. She entered and crouched beside them. Ruki was sitting a bit closer now, grinning subtly at the eevee pawing playfully at Sylmi's ribbons that he dangled in the air for it. "You two, Aaron is taking me to see the room. Want to come?"
"Vee." Sylmi shook his head, of course. He stayed in there. Plus, he was enjoying this room more.
Ruki wanted to, but he wasn't having that bad of a time after settling in and didn't want to leave Sylmi alone. Ruki didn't know when he'd see him after this trip, so he shook his head as well. Skye should be enjoying time alone with Aaron too.
"We'll be about ten minutes, then. Stay put." Skye walked and passed Aaron, tugging his arm.
He caught up and walked beside her.
"What floor are you on?"
"Six. It's the highest one here. I tend to like heights." As they entered the busy lobby, he offered his hand to Skye. Aaron felt a tad nervous while doing so, but he was getting more comfortable when it came to making moves, especially after their kiss. However, he'd still tread with sense.
She took it without hesitance and grinned while intertwining their fingers. Skye was happy he'd done that and showed him so. She wanted their relationship to feel mutual and would rather him be in charge more often than not.
Meanwhile, Ruki had grown somewhat tolerant of the chatot. It was now perched atop his head. He would prefer it not to stand there, but it was preferable to having his tails yanked.
The eevee had left the lounge with its trainer, so Sylmi was now watching the chatot and fennekin. He was happy to see that Ruki warmed up, even if just a little. He was such a friendly and likable ninetales. He'd just needed a push.
Not a second later, however, Ruki's breath was taken by a pokémon entering the room with its trainer. A familiar, beautiful lavender creature passed Ruki and Sylmi and went to the snack bar, but the espeon had double-glanced at the chatot on Ruki's head— so much for first impressions. He couldn't help looking at its cute features and sleek body several times while it sat by the counter, its tail swaying elegantly.
"Syl, Sylve?" Sylmi could tell something was odd about Ruki's behavior, so he'd asked Ruki if he liked the espeon. Hopefully, he wasn't wrong about his observation. Ruki had made it rather obvious.
He swallowed and turned to Sylmi, finally shaking the chatot off his head. "Nin…" Ruki nodded. That was his second crush. It was love at first sight, and he had no idea how it worked. To want another while they barely knew he existed was eating at him. That's what he did know.
Ruki was almost positive he'd never see this espeon again after today. He wouldn't even be in this situation right now if Skye hadn't used the one chance she had in Sinnoh, whether it worked out or not.
"It's been two days already. It goes by so fast," Skye said while they stood in the elevator going up.
"You know, that's how I felt while you were in Sinnoh…" Aaron leaned against the wall. "And I was afraid I'd lose you forever. I could have died of anxiety during the last couple of days."
"Really?" she giggled. "You should've told me sooner. Nearly did."
The elevator doors opened, and they exited, Aaron leading down the west hall with red carpeting. His was the tenth door on the right side. "I was stuck on everything I liked about you, and it kept increasing the more time I spent around you… That made it overwhelming and extremely intimidating. I feared rejection more than anything at that point."
It couldn't have helped that he didn't have much to offer as a jobless college kid, negating his confidence. Aaron wouldn't be able to spoil and dine her, and knowing Skye had wealthy parents and was raised in Hau'oli of all places, he was afraid she'd expect that and more, potentially.
He shrugged. "I didn't have it in me to confess to someone that was everything I've ever wanted— and you were the first girl I've felt that way about." Aaron stopped at his door and felt her eyes on him as he reached into his pocket for the keycard, so he stopped to look over.
Skye's eyes held her words and adoration, as did her cheeks with a visible blush on them. "Go ahead…"
Aaron took out the card and slipped it into the reader on the door, despite him wanting to take a longer pause and admire her expression. He pushed it open and stepped aside. "You first."
"Thank you." Skye entered and looked around. It was as luxurious as she once recalled, with a few changes. There was a white and black marble-floored kitchen with an island at its center, a queen-sized mattress with white bedding, and a nightstand holding a pricey ceramic lamp. Two TVs were wall-mounted above the kitchen's entrance, and potted plants sat against the walls. In front of her must be the view Aaron referred to, a large window with white curtains draped over it.
Meanwhile, Ruki still hadn't budged from his spot. He hadn't a clue how to approach the espeon. He felt something tap his lower back and turned his head.
"Syl, veon." Sylmi attempted to give Ruki some courage. He needed to put himself out there, or else he'd never know. It was easier for Sylmi to say when he wasn't the one having to act, although he was in the same situation ironically enough.
Ruki watched the espeon's trainer exchange money for some items and knew time wasn't on his side. He may have to take Sylmi's advice and just go for it, but that was getting increasingly difficult the longer he stared. Would that espeon even consider him? It was stunning, and Ruki wasn't exactly exhibiting confidence or a dominant demeanor, which plenty of females looked for in a potential mate.
Skye walked to the window and pushed the curtain over, letting in some sun. "You were right." She set her purse on the floor. Beyond were massive rocky mountains encompassing expansive grassy fields. Located slightly west was Royal Avenue, housing the blue Battle Royal Dome and some civilization.
She saw a strip of road extending for about a mile lined with shops and people walking about with pokémon. In the center of the said strip was an extensive courtyard of pavement and a fountain with a large elevated pokéball in its center.
Around it were rich green lawns, bushes, trees, and a few streetlights, all placed before more pavement leading to the massive gray Battle Royal Dome structure with blue, red, yellow, and green flags, four in total, draping down over the entrance.
The Dome is where trainers go to truly test themselves by signing up for the challenge. Four ranks are available: normal, super, hyper, and master, in that order. Initially, only normal is available to trainers that haven't proved themselves. The following ranks open after the trainer wins the challenge's five battles in a row in each rank in succession.
Skye would sufficiently marvel at it and people-watch if they had more time.
"Priceless, right?" Aaron stood next to her. He'd stood to watch the view multiple times after he and Sylmi first checked in.
"I've never seen Royal Avenue like this." She hadn't stayed on this side when she last visited. Skye had overlooked the beach instead.
She held his wrist after a moment of silence when something came to her— a wonderful idea that'd fulfill what had been on her mind. "Aaron, do you remember when we were in front of my parents' door..." She turned and eyed his face. "And you kissed me?"
"I'll never forget." Aaron gave her his full attention. That was a kiss he'd cherish for eternity.
"Kiss me again... properly," Skye nearly whispered. They had to get back to the lounge, but she wanted another taste while they were alone.
This was undoubtedly the perfect moment, and as Aaron gazed into her mesmerizing orbs, he couldn't resist for another second. With her confirmation and a strong urge to taste her mouth again, he gained more confidence than ever in their relationship. He hugged her waist with his right arm, pulled her toward him, then reached his free hand and placed its palm on her cheek, brushing a few strands of hair behind her ear and tilting her head up slightly.
Skye loved very much him holding and touching her, especially directing her. She leaned in, feeling hot already and anticipating where this would go. Skye couldn't be happier that she was finally able to have this. She deserved a good relationship after all she'd endured, and she couldn't possibly have gotten luckier with her first. She felt her phone vibrate in her pocket but ignored it. It was likely her parents or a push message.
Aaron again completed the distance and pressed his lips to hers. He pulled her closer so her stomach touched his and felt bliss while Skye kissed him delicately, with warm chills running up his body. He'd be as gentle as he could, kissing her back while holding and rubbing her hip. They couldn't do much more than this, but it was enough for Aaron to have her to himself and explore her, even if just a little.
"Mh…" Skye tilted her head slightly and deepened their kiss, closing her eyes and leaning her cheek on his hand, where she nuzzled slightly against his skin. Gosh, it was so intimate, and the setting made it better, making out in an upmarket room. This was Skye's first attempt at it at that.
She hoped she was adequate and wondered if this was also his first time. "Nhmh..." She placed her palm on his chest and breathed against his mouth as the session got hotter, letting out pleased moans now and again. She was aroused and knew Aaron had to be as well.
Skye's short-lived, subtle moans and the soft, lovely smacks their lips made while pressing on and off each other turned him on more than he was already. He continued kissing her, falling deeper into their session. He heard her breaths get quicker by the second, encouraging his pace. He shut his eyes and listened to every noise she made, focusing on and feeling the tender flutter in her subtle motions and warmth in exhalations hitting him. It made Aaron wanted to squeeze Skye and never let go.
She moved her hand from his chest and grabbed his right wrist, slipping his hand under her shirt. She couldn't possibly stop at kissing alone, and this wouldn't hurt. She wanted him to touch her more, to properly explore her for a minute. Just a minute.
Aaron grinned timidly. She wanted him like that? He wouldn't keep it from her but first pulled her a step from the window and set her back against the wall, where he broke the kiss and let them catch their breath.
Skye glanced at his hand as he drew his fingers up and pressed her bare side, exhaling against his warm digits tickling her skin and resting her head against the wall while eyeing his face. She told him with a vulnerable gaze and a lip bite that she wanted him in control.
The espeon's trainer and the cashier had struck up a friendly conversation, which bought Ruki more time to think of an approach, but he officially had no more. He shifted his front paws as they walked in his direction, and just after the espeon passed, Ruki barely squeezed out a word, "ni!—" a rushed greeting.
The espeon perked its ears and stopped, turning around to look at him.
Well, that froze him in place. He wasn't at all prepared for its attention, and seeing its stunning face up close while it stared wasn't helping. Ruki fought to get another word out, but nothing came to mind. It was a blank slate, and in his throat was a knot he couldn't untie no matter how desperately he tugged.
"Vivi!" Its trainer called ahead at the doorway, and Ruki watched the espeon turn and slip away. Just like that.
Vivi was its name, which attracted him further.
He sulked and felt his heart go cold and drop to his stomach. His second impression was no better. He'd failed already as a male and right in front of them. Vivi must be sneering at how weak he was, scrambling for words.
"Huh..." Skye pushed her hips out and took steady breaths through her mouth while Aaron ran his hands up her pure, bare skin, tracing her waist and sides and pulling her shirt up in the process. He stopped at her chest beneath her bra. It was physical bliss, although it was nothing compared to what more it could be.
He eyed her cute and fairly slim tummy, then leaned in and kissed her lips with passion once more while holding her. He could do both for hours— experience Skye and bring her pleasure she deserved. Aaron wanted a lot more of her, especially after such a preview. The stiff erection in his pants proved it.
Skye hoped her body was adequate for him as well. She leaned in and held it for several seconds, sighing after he broke it. They couldn't continue. She wanted so much to tell Aaron to run his hands over her more— maybe unclip her bra, but she couldn't leave Ruki alone for too long. "We should go back..."
Ruki was beyond disappointed in himself. He couldn't even look Sylmi's way. That was an ordeal, and it had ruined the day for him. He didn't want to feel like this while Skye was here meeting Aaron. What if it affected her and altered the trip? It wasn't about him.
"Vee…" Sylmi eyed him and placed a ribbon on his back. He attempted reassuring Ruki that his apprehensiveness and social anxiety was nothing to be ashamed of. Sylmi wasn't experienced in that department either, but it couldn't have felt good to watch that espeon walk away.
Still, Ruki kept his eyes on the floor. He was beating himself up over this and likely would for a while. It could have gone so much smoother. He could have had a small chance with at least some confidence, but he couldn't muster even a pinch.
Skye stepped out of the elevator with Aaron behind her and paced toward the lounge. "I know they're fine. I just never leave him on his own for long."
"I get it. Sylmi is usually with me too." Aaron kept up with her speed. He was always laid back with Sylmi, but it seemed Skye went the extra mile, and Aaron found it cute. He knew she was very close to Ruki. They were a package, and he'd gladly take both.
She noticed the espeon Ruki saw earlier and its trainer walked past her and Aaron as they strolled through the lobby, likely to the elevator, but it wasn't her primary focus.
Ruki hoped Skye would return soon. He wanted to leave the lounge. He was hot and tense. Fortunately, he saw her appear in the doorway in moments.
"Hey, Ruki!" she grinned at first but noticed how sorrowful his expression was, causing it to falter and fade just as quickly. Skye approached and crouched before him, Aaron watching some feet away. "Ruki… what's wrong? What happened?"
He scooted closer and leaned his forehead on her chest.
"Baby…" Skye now felt guilty for leaving him and concerned. Maybe she should have made him come up to the room. "Give me something..." She tilted his chin up with her hand. "Please." Skye glanced over his body to ensure he wasn't hurt physically.
Ruki's eyes held hopelessness. The best option would be to leave this behind. He wasn't fit for a mate yet and just wanted to go home and never look back. Maybe in another couple of years when he understood it and himself.
That's when the espeon came to Skye's mind. They had to have come from the lounge since they were walking from that direction. "...Was it the espy from earlier?"
Ruki looked off to the side, feeling a hefty blow in his chest upon mention.
"Ruki..."
Sylmi caught her eye from behind and nodded.
"Damn it…" Skye mumbled and stood, jogging past Aaron out the doorway and looking into the busy lobby. She walked and entered it, scanning the packed and noisy room, but they were nowhere in sight. It'd be difficult to seek them out among crowds.
This unfolded the one time she left Ruki alone, although Skye didn't know exactly what had happened. She walked back to the lounge past people walking her way. "Excuse me... sorry," she said while squeezing through and breaking up families and couples. She approached Aaron after making it through. "What time is it?"
"Nearly four. Is something up? Is Ruki okay?" He had no idea what was going on and had been watching the situation silently. All he knew was that Ruki looked sad, and Sylmi looked sympathetic.
"Ruki saw this espeon earlier that he seemed to be into, and they were in here. Something happened between them when we left, but I'm sure I could have helped. It's not like Ruki can talk to a trainer. I feel like the worst owner." Skye watched Sylmi rub Ruki's back with his ribbon and attempt some more words of reassurance.
"Well, when are you two leaving?"
"Before dark, so near six in around two hours."
"Okay… We still have time. They could show up by chance. Why don't we try to wait?" Aaron took her hand into his.
"It makes it worse because he evolved months ago. He and I are close, but I know he needs more than me. I just know it." She stared at Ruki while speaking with a heavy heart.
"We're assuming the espeon likes him back, right?"
"Either way, I know he didn't get a proper chance..." And Skye had to give it to him, or she'd never forgive herself.
Minutes later, they were sitting in the lobby chairs while people and pokémon stood and sat around them. Skye and Ruki sat a few tables from Aaron and Sylmi since she wanted a moment with him.
"Ruki, you aren't hurt, right?" she asked. "Be honest with me."
He looked up at her and shook his head. Skye didn't know that would happen. She was just away at a bad time.
She slid off of the chair and kneeled by him. She felt almost like tearing up. "I'm still sorry, okay? I should have been there. That's why I'm here..." Skye placed her palm on his neck.
"Nine," Ruki grinned slightly and leaned in to nuzzle her arm. He didn't think he could ever be upset with Skye, especially when it genuinely wasn't her fault. She shouldn't feel so guilty about it. This was on him, and he'd learned from it. It would just stay with him and hurt for a while.
"We've gotta leave soon. I'm gonna call and buy our ticket for a quarter to six, so we've got two hours left." She pulled her phone out of her pocket. Skye beckoned Aaron and Sylmi over with her hand.
They did, and as they approached, Ruki noticed Sylmi sit beside Aaron, who was next to Skye, but he took a few glances at Ruki beforehand. Sylmi didn't know how Ruki was feeling and didn't want to be a bother. "Nin!" he called him over.
Sylmi perked and trotted over without hesitance, sitting in front of Ruki and looking at him.
"Nin, nine." He leaned and gave Sylmi a soft nuzzle atop his head with his cheek. A thank you for his encouragement and reassurance earlier. Even though it didn't go as planned, Sylmi had cared enough to try, which was touching.
Sylmi grinned warmly and pressed his cheek to Ruki's chest, shutting his eyes. He was glad he was able to somewhat help Ruki. Sylmi liked him— a lot.
Skye leaned her side against Aaron's shoulder and finally pulled out her phone now that there was a free moment, reading a text from her mother to check on her, which Skye replied to with 'yes' and a heart emote. She wanted to rest before the walk they had to take to the ferry soon. "I can't wait to be in my bed," she yawned and put her cell away.
They could leave earlier, but she wasn't going anywhere until giving Ruki a real shot, so they'd sit here until they couldn't.
Aaron hugged her waist with his arm. "You'll sleep well. You were active all day." It was one full of events both good and bad too. Fortunately, more were good.
"Mhm, it was a lot of fun. I'm really glad you're here." It still felt unreal that their relationship had progressed this far. Skye just hoped it would continue with no hiccups. So far, it had only gotten better. Their bond had grown since Sinnoh, which was amazing to see. The future excited her.
She dozed off against Aaron within fifteen minutes, and he didn't dare move an inch while she slept. He ensured he held her so she wouldn't fall while gazing at her face. Her hair rested gently against his chest and arm, and he wished his jacket was off so he can feel it on his skin.
Aaron had never fallen in love prior to Skye. He'd only had a few crushes but was always too anxious to act on them— just as he was with Skye. He'd gotten lucky she was friendly and outgoing. She took the wheel more than any other girl he'd met and was too unique to fathom.
She woke up shortly, still tired. Aaron offered to buy her a coffee for a small burst of energy because of it, and Skye stayed behind with Ruki and Sylmi this time while he went. She had to give him instructions and repeat them twice over since they were specific. Her drink would be subpar if it weren't made properly.
So, now she was sitting beside him with a caramel frappuccino in hand. "Thanks again for the coffee. I needed it more than I thought." She had also given Ruki and Sylmi a pokébean. It may hold Ruki off until they get to the ferry.
"I could tell. You should take at least two days to rest." Aaron was just relieved he didn't screw up her order and was proud of it. She liked it very sweet and just as strong, considering she wanted two espresso shots and extra caramel.
"Maybe… but I don't want your time here going to waste." Skye sipped her drink through its straw and stirred the whipped cream, then held it up. "Sip?"
"No thank you. All yours." Aaron found the offer sweet, though, even more so that she was okay with drinking after him.
Anyway, he didn't want her overworking herself for him. This wouldn't be the last time if it went well. "It won't. Don't worry. Me and Sylmi will go out and explore the island too. We'll keep busy," he grinned and glanced at Ruki but double-looked upon noticing that he was staring at the reception desk. "Skye…" he said after following Ruki's eyes.
"Hm?"
"Look."
She scanned the lobby, and her eyes then fell onto the espeon and its trainer talking to the receptionist at the counter. The trainer held a small black briefcase and was likely checking out.
Ruki had given Vivi terrible impressions already, and a million thoughts filled his head about the plethora of negative things they could see him as. Considering they turned him away, but she— hopefully, was so cute. He stood, looking over at Skye, who gave him a slight smile and eyes encouraging him to go for it.
What could go wrong? Well, everything, but on the bright side, he'd never see this espeon again if he failed three times in a row.
Ruki started his walk, slipping through individuals and a small crowd before making it to the end of the resting area, where people passed his eyes without rest, walking back and forth past the desk, down the resort's halls, or to the elevator.
The desk was right in front of him, but he felt sick. This was too new to him and could be a waste of time. Vivi probably thought he was a joke and would send him back with his tails dragging along the floor, but before he could contemplate, they turned around and looked at him. Must have felt his presence. Psychic types.
Vivi glanced up at its trainer to ask permission, but she was currently busy, so Vivi approached an anxious Ruki with curiosity and stood several steps away. This ninetales had crossed her path multiple times today.
"He knows what he's doing. He helped me a lot." Skye kept her grin.
"With what? What do you mean?" Aaron was glued to Ruki and Vivi's interaction but wanted context on her statement.
"Ah, don't worry about it."
"N-Nine," he greeted for a second time with his name. "Nine nin-t-tales nine... tales." Ruki told Vivi about how he'd seen them throughout the day and found them beautiful— which was the hardest part. He was scatterbrained and stuttered multiple times.
"Espe…" She was definitely a female, which was heard in her voice. Vivi grinned, creeping in from the corners of her mouth while studying him. He was bigger than she was, but that wasn't an issue. Vivi remembered him from earlier and found both instances cute looking back. She could tell he was a sweetheart by his aura alone.
"Vivi… huh?" Her trainer turned around and saw the same ninetales again, this time going and kneeling beside Vivi. "You must really like my girl."
"That's my cue! Here." Skye quickly handed Aaron her purse and drink that he almost scrambled to take before getting up and jogging through openings in groups.
"Do you have a trainer?" Vivi's owner asked.
"He does. Hi," Skye said upon walking up. They had the same accent, though Vivi's owner had a thicker one.
Ruki felt instant relief now that Skye was here. He needed that backup more than ever.
"I... think your pokémon may like my espeon. I've seen them like twice around her now." Vivi's owner watched their interaction.
"Could I pull you over here for a moment?" asked Skye.
"Uh, sure." And they stepped aside so their pokémon weren't in earshot.
"I know this is sudden, but Ruki, my ninetales, evolved months ago and is a hundred percent new to the idea of love and attraction. So, he saw Vivi a few times today, and I could tell she cast a spell over him..." Skye didn't want to make this too weird. "Oh, my name is Skye, by the way."
"That makes sense. I thought he was lost or something at first." She stuck her hand out. "Lexi, nice t' meet you."
"He was definitely lost in something." Skye took it and shook.
Lexi grinned at her comment and saw Vivi's tail sway from side to side while talking to Ruki, which Lexi knew she did when content. "Do you live in this region?"
"Hau'oli, so not too far."
"Oh, we're in Konikoni. It's some miles west. Okay… so we're both in Alola. Why don't we exchange numbers, then? Vivi's always been a bit of a loner, so this is interesting. She reads personalities. Kind of a cheat code."
"That sounds great." Skye pulled out her phone. She was overjoyed for Ruki but kept it contained.
"I'll be eighteen in a month." Lexi shrugged. "Maybe we can work something out then."
"I know how that is. Recently turned eighteen myself." They exchanged numbers and saved them; then, there was a beat of silence. "Well, I don't mean to keep you two from being on your way. Have a safe trip home."
"You too. Come on, Vivi," Lexi called and headed toward the exit.
Vivi followed, grinning back at Ruki while trotting ahead.
Skye waited until they were out the door before crouching before Ruki. "Yess, oh my gosh, Rukii! I'm so proud of you, baby." She took his cheeks into her palms and giggled. "You just needed a bit of confidence and kindness. Your looks and charm did the rest for ya'."
And her. He needed her. "Nini!" Ruki's tails swayed quicker than usual. He exhaled deeply, still shaken up. That went way better than he expected and made up infinitely for his embarrassing failures. He felt like a new ninetales. Ruki thanked Arceus for so many chances. It's not every day that you get enough to fix your errors instead of having to live with them.
"We shared numbers. Hopefully, we keep in touch." Skye kissed his head and stood, walking back toward Aaron with Ruki following behind.
She spent the next half-hour with Aaron and Ruki with Sylmi. With the Vivi situation solved, Skye wanted to leave early to ensure they didn't miss the ferry, so they now stood out front by the pools under the orange evening sky, Skye facing Aaron. "It sucks we have to go, but we had such an amazing day together."
"For sure. Today was the most fun I've had in Alola so far. I'm glad it worked out between Ruki and that espeon in the end too. Very touching to watch love unfold, especially between pokémon, and I'd like updates if you're willing… Want me to walk you two to the ferry, by the way?"
Life has definitely been a movie since Sinnoh. Skye just hoped the ending would be as good as it's been. "It's fine; you and Sylmi go rest. I know Akala, so there's no need to worry." She held his wrists and smiled," and yes, you'll get text and call updates if and when I get them. You helped it happen too."
"Thank you," he smiled back. "Can you at least call me when you two are safely on board?"
"Mhm. Bye… for now." Skye leaned up and gave his lips a soft and quick parting kiss.
Aaron leaned into it at the last second. He would have reacted and returned better if he had been prepared. "Bye," he grinned.
Ruki and Sylmi exchanged their usual paw-to-ribbon shake, and he again thanked Sylmi for being with him earlier. That helped grow their friendship and showed Ruki even more that he was a friend to keep.
Sylmi was happy for him, although a minor part of him felt down about what transpired, but it was no one's fault but his own— not that Sylmi could be blamed. He wanted to see Ruki and Vivi succeed, but if they didn't, well, maybe Sylmi would be ready to act by then.
After that, Ruki followed Skye down the steps, and they were on their way.